Liverpool took a step toward UEFA Champions League qualification on Tuesday when they beat Hoffenheim 2-1 at the Rhein-Neckar Arena in the first leg of their play-off.
Simon Mignolet saved Andrej Kramaric's 12th-minute penalty before Trent Alexander-Arnold curled in a sublime free-kick after 35 minutes.
The Reds grabbed their second when Havard Nordtveit turned James Milner's cross into his own goal, before Mark Uth handed the Bundesliga outfit a lifeline in the tie with three minutes of normal time remaining.
A bright start from the hosts was met with a nervous showing from Dejan Lovren, who looked suspect when attempting to clear an early free-kick.